Joe Mazzulla credits Celtics two-way center for changing game vs. Spurs

The Celtics were down a pair of starters for Wednesday’s win against the Spurs, which opened the door for a few players down Boston’s bench. Luke Kornet received a surprise start at center with Kristaps Porzingis out of the lineup and that paved the way for some Neemias Queta minutes off the bench.

The two-way center had carved out a role for himself back in December but has found himself on the sidelines in recent weeks with Boston’s frontcourt at full strength.

However, with Queta in the mix for minutes Wednesday night, he made sure to make the most of his opportunity, posting six points and eight rebounds in 12 minutes. He also blocked a pair of shots and hell his own in head-to-head matchups with rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.

That performance earned him some accolades from his head coach as the Celtics pulled away from the Spurs in the second quarter with Queta on the floor.

“In the middle of January playing San Antonio, who is a little bit down this year to have some really good moments of greatness, especially defensively, I think that’s key,” Mazzulla explained. “I think tonight Neemi hasn’t been in the rotation as much because we’ve been healthy, but you kind of saw why he plays a role on our team.

He changed the game for us in the first half and did it again in the second half. That role and what he can do for us is very important for our team.”